Best Audiophile Headphones of 2018

Are you in the market for the best headphones that the industry has to offer? Then in this guide you’ll find the top audiophile headphones that deliver awesome performance. Keep in mind that these are some of the more expensive headphones on the market, but if you are looking for something that delivers industry leading features, then you will find it here.

To make things simpler for you we have created 3 different price categories for the best audiophile headphones. This will help you quickly navigate to the products that match up with your budget. You will notice that we have included options from a variety of brands so that you have freedom of choice.

The top buying considerations are also covered in this buying guide, which helps you make the right purchase. It would be regrettable if you failed to buy the right product because you weren’t aware of the features to pay attention to. Some of the buying factors we will include are audio quality, comfort, Bluetooth connectivity, and durability.

Finally, we will include a section on the type of buyers that have the most to gain from the best audiophile headphones. These are high priced headphones with a bunch of industry leading features, which means they will have particular uses that they are best suited for.

Buying factors to consider

Comfort

The best audiophile headphones should not only be known for the audio quality, but also for how comfortable they are to wear. After all, if you are going to be using these for professional purposes then it makes sense to get a product that you can wear for long durations at a time.

The headband contributes a lot to the comfort level of headphones. A soft material that feels nice is ideal, but it should also be sturdy so that it does not break easily. A high degree of adjustment on the headband is desirable so that you’re able to customize the fit to match the size of your head.

The earcups are another big factor when it comes to the comfort. The size is what you must pay attention to and they must be of a decent size – enough to fit your entire ears inside. This ensures that your ears will not be under pressure whilst wearing the headphones.

Another factor that contributes to the comfort is the weight of the headphones. A lower weight is ideal, but be careful about selecting very light headphones. That’s because when weight is reduced it is typically at the sacrifice of durability due to the materials used.

Audio quality

We are confident in saying that all of the entries on this list provide an excellent audio experience, and especially so in the pricier categories we have created. When deciding audio quality pay attention to the frequency range, audio drivers, noise isolation, and the brand.

For buyers that have the luxury of a local large shopping center should make the effort to go and try out some of the headphones in person. This will give you a better idea of how all the different brands differ in terms of the style of audio provided.

For example, Sennheiser headphones tend to have less impactful bass so that the authenticity and accuracy of the audio is improved. Also you need to pay attention to if the headphones are closed back or open back.

Durability

When you buy expensive audiophile headphones you’d want them to stand the test of time. Therefore, pay attention to the materials used and how well-designed the headphones are. Where possible we will mention the durability of the products we have covered in this guide. However, you should also do your background checks to find out more about how a particular product was manufactured.

To get an indication of how much durability you can expect ensure that you look at the warranty length and what things the warranty covers. A brand would not be willing to provide a lengthy warranty if they weren’t confident in the overall design of their product.

Brands

You should pay attention to the brand when you buy audiophile headphones as that will determine the overall style. Brands tend to stick to the same key features in terms of ergonomic style and type of audio offered. Also the brand that you choose will play a big role in determining how good the customer support will be after you make the purchase. The type of warranty you receive will also be determined by the brand that you go for. Some have a great reputation for warranty coverage while others always try to get out of fixing broken products.

Bluetooth technology

There is an argument to be made for why Bluetooth headphones are simply better than wired ones. That’s because you have more freedom as you can move without the limitations of a wire. You can get up and go get a drink from the kitchen without taking off the headphones or sit at the far end of a room in order to enjoy a movie on the sofa.

Keep in mind that the Bluetooth technology is not identical in all headphones. Each year upgrades are made to Bluetooth technology so pay attention to which version you are going to buy. Obviously getting the latest version is best as that ensure the quality of the wireless connection will be improved.

Who should buy the best audiophile headphones?

Professionals

Audiophile headphones as the name suggests offers high quality audio that uses the latest technology. Therefore, as a professional you will appreciate the high quality and depending on what your job is you might not be able to work with that boosted audio quality.

However, the prices of the headphones in this guide are relatively high, which means that you should only make a purchase here if you can actually appreciate and have a use for the technology that’s packed into these products.

For those who appreciate high quality audio

When you listen via budget headphones do you find yourself feeling that there is something missing? Then it might be the case that the audio quality is simply not good enough for you and by making a selection from this list you’re able to get the level of audio that will match your expectations.

The audiophile headphones on this list are so good that even those that have demanding expectations get blown away by how far audio technology has progressed. Simply put them on and fire up your favouritealbum to be immersed in an industry leading headphone experience.

Buy as a present

Do you want to surprise someone by purchasing someone an awesome audio based product? Audiophile headphones will put a smile on the face of any present receiver due to the sheer quality that’s offered. The products on this list will represent an upgrade for the majority of people that already own headphones.

Best Audiophile Headphones By Budget:

Best Audiophile Headphones Under $200

Do you want the cheapest audiophile headphones that are on the market? Then you should consider the options in the under $200 category. You’ll be surprised by the value that is offered here as some of the headphones are capable of competing in terms of performance with much higher priced headphones.

However, unlike with the more expensive categories the choices here might not be suitable for professional use as the audio is not as good. Also pay attention to the durability of the product to ensure that it matches your expectations.

1. Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones

The 53mm drivers AudioTechnica ATH-AD700X Audiophile reproduces clear treble, bass, and mids. These headphones have been designed to be worn for long durations, which is why the designers have padded the earmuffs to be as comfortable as possible. The headband automatically adjusts to your head size for easy wearing and listening comfort.

Furthermore, the connectivity technology is wired – a straight cord at the left of the earpiece transmits fast frequency waves directly from your device to headphones. However, unlike most headphones the Audio TechnicaATH-AD700X Audiophile has a wider frequency range of 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz, thus letting you hear deeper bass levels.

In addition, the headphones are open air letting oxygen pass through, which means no pressures will be applied to the ears when wearing. Also, the earpads are made from flexible fabric that is durable and soft to wear. The gold plated stereo jack comes in two sizes 3.5mm and 6.3mm, making them compatible with almost all devices.

To summarize, the Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones are open back and therefore comfortable to wear for long periods. The lightweight aluminium design is durable and stylish to wear. Also, the frequency range is 5-30,000 Hz making it a lot easier to hear the lower levels of bass.

Tech Specs

Weight: 20 ounces

Noise isolating: No

Wireless: No

Warranty: 3-4 Years

The Pros

Compatible with most devices

Open-back design

Wider frequency range

The Cons

Cable could be better designed

Break easily

2. Noontec Hammo Go Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Thanks to the distinctive technology the Noontec Hammo Go Active Noise Cancelling Headphones can output great bass, treble, and highs. In addition, the headphones are noise canceling, which means you can listen to beats without the audio around you being a nuisance.

Moreover, the Hammo Go is created for people who want to look stylish when listening to music. The premium materials give the headphones a modern shiny look and the red trims make the headphones look even more expensive. Also, the earpads are extremely comfortable to wear and can rotate to better fit the user. Plus, the design is fully foldable, which reduces the space it takes up by half making it great for travelling.

In addition, the battery life is ultra-long lasting up to 60 hours of playback time, which is more than the average Bluetooth headphone. Also, the headphones are made to be worn for extremely long durations (7-8 hours), which makes them great for traveling on planes, trains, and buses.

In conclusion, the headphones are great to take on long journeys, because they are easily foldable and strain-free to wear. The newly developed drivers utilizes the wide frequency response to the fullest outputting great bass and treble. Also, the battery life is an amazing 60 hours, which is longer than most premium headphones.

Tech Specs

Weight: 9.6 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: Yes

Warranty: 2-4 Years

The Pros

Sleek design

Noise canceling

Great frequency response

The Cons

Batteries get worn out pretty quickly

Can be a little tight on the head for some users

3. V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Headphones

The V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Headphones are highly durable and has a military grade level of MIL-STCD-810. The ultra-reinforced cable can withstand up to 1 million bends, which is more than 100xmore durable when compared to other premium headphones. In addition, the SteelFlex headband can last for up to 10 flat bends and up to 60 drops on to hard concrete at a drop of 1.5 meters.

Moreover, the passive noise isolation clears out any unnecessary sounds allowing you to enjoy the music to the fullest. The 50mm dual diaphragm drivers produces vibrant bass, clear mids, and amazing highs, without any annoying overlap. Also, the earpads help with the noise isolation by sealing your ears to deliver music directly to the ear canal.

In addition, the 4 plus years of designing the headphones lead the team to agree on ergonomic hexagon shaped pads, which trap in sound waves more effectively. Also, the headband minimizes the force on your head, thus wearing the headphones for long won’t be a pain. However, if you do manage to break the headphones V-MODA provides you with a two year warranty to cover damages.

To conclude, the V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Headphones are great for people who want to disconnect from the world and enjoy their music to the fullest. The padded earmuffs are extremely comfortable and help isolate the noise around you to further enhance the listening experience. Also, V-MODA provides a two year warranty just in case they are accidently damaged.

Tech Specs

Weight: 1.76 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: No

Warranty: 2 Years

The Pros

Ultra-lightweight

Noise canceling

Comfortable to wear

The Cons

Wire jack can bend after multiple uses

Can be a little tight on the head for some users, since it has a no gap design

4. AKG Pro Audio K702 Channel Audiophile Headphones

AKG is one of the first electronic companies that build their headphones with a revolutionary flat wire design. The result of this design is outstanding clarity of all the notes. The bass and treble is enhanced even further, because the headphones have a frequency range of 10 Hz to 39,800 Hz.

AKG also has improved the overall feel of the product, because they use premium cushioned leather. The headband is fully adjustable and sits on your head comfortably applying minimal pressure, which means you can wear them for long periods of time strain-free. Moreover, the earmuffs are made from soft memory foam and gently cover the whole ear for a maximum snug fit.

In addition, the cable cord is extremely durable and detachable, which means you can customize the headphones to better suit the occasion. Also, the earpads are replaceable too, thus you will be able to swap them out for your own personalized ones.

To summarize, the AKG Pro Audio K702 Channel Audiophile Headphones deliver great sounding music in ultra-HD quality. The frequency range is outstanding and therefore produces awesome bass and treble. Also, the cable and earpads are fully removable and can be customized to better fit your preferences.

Tech Specs

Weight: 28.8 ounces

Noise isolating: No

Wireless: No

Warranty: 2 Years

The Pros

Open Back design

Studio grade

Comfortable to wear

The Cons

Pricey option

Headband could be improved

Best Audiophile Headphones Under $350

Do you have decent budget and want a good cost to performance ratio? Then you should select audiophile headphones from this category. You’ll be amazed by the quality of the audio here and these are studio grade options that can be used by professionals.

The headphones here are excellent because the combination of the comfort, audio quality, industry leading technology, and durability is excellent. You will not feel as if something is missing when purchasing headphones from this category.

5. Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones have been tailored specifically for the traveling person. These headphones are made to be portable, long lasting, and lightweight for convenient use. The noise cancelation is great blocking out all background noises enhancing your listening experience since now you can hear all the notes.

In addition, the battery life is longer than most headphones at 30 hours on a single charge. The connectivity technology featured is Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC pairing, because of this combination the headphones have an extended connection range. However, if you forget to charge the Sennheiser PXC 550then you can attach a cable cord to listen to music, which Sennheiser provides in the packaging.

Moreover, the design of the headphones is lightweight, which makes them great to take on journeys. Also, aergonomically engineered padded headband rests on the head firmly and doesn’t put too much pressure, allowing you to wear them for hours without any discomfort. The Sennheiser PXC 550 is fully foldable too, which makes them great to pack as they will take up less space.

In summary, the Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones are great to travel with, because of the many pluses that come with it. The extended battery life lasts up to 30 hours of playback and can even be stretched depending on level of volume you are playing at. In addition, the design is extremely comfortable to wear, and because of the sealed design they are effective at noise isolation.

Tech Specs

Weight: 7.8 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: Yes

Warranty: 3-4 years

The Pros

Excellent design

Comfortable to wear

Long battery life

The Cons

Sound quality could be better

Over-priced

6. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones comes with a built-in microphone, which has noise rejecting features to allow clear conversations in crowded areas. Also, you can adjust the level of noise cancelation to better suit your environment, therefore making these headphones safe for outdoor use.

Moreover, the Bose QuietComfort 35 has volume optimized EQ making your music sound better, whether you’re on a plane, train, or in a public area. The Bluetooth and NFC pairing allows quick and stable connections, while also reducing interruptions. However, the headphones come with a 47.2 inch audio cable just in case you forget to charge the headphones.

In addition, the battery life is great at 20 hours of wireless play and up to 40 hours when in wired mode. The reason for this is that the headphones use up less battery power when connected to a smart device while still providing great quality beats. Moreover, you can download the Bose Connect app for even more functions such as adjusting noise cancelation levels, Bluetooth connections, and future software updates to further enhance the headphones.

To conclude, the headphones are great for someone looking disconnect from the world and immerse themselves into the world of music. The noise cancelation is fully adjustable with the app and can even be turned off altogether. In addition, the battery life is a long 20 hours and gets doubled when switched into wired mode.

Tech Specs

Weight: 8.3 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: Yes

Warranty: 3-4 years

The Pros

Customizable app

Comfortable earpads

Long battery life

The Cons

Bluetooth connectivity is not reliable

Frequency range could be higher

7. Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro Headphones were designed to reproduce HD audio for users to hear the music the way it was intended to. The over the ear headphones are built with exclusive 45mm True Motion drivers, which utilized lightweight voice coils to the maximum. A specially designed diaphragm is used to improve the circuit board and this results in a wider frequency range.

Moreover, the multi vent air damping technology extends the mid to low frequency response even further allowing you to hear almost every note in a beat. The metal housings are designed to mirror the shape of the ear, thus helping the drivers to deliver music directly to the ear canal.

In addition, the headband is designed to shape the head to provide max comfort and the earpads use special memory foam padding to ensure a long lasting comforting fit. Also, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro Headphone has a built-in microphone, which you can use to take calls on the go without any interruptions.

In summary, these headphones are great for listening to beats in ultra-high definition, because they use advanced 45mm True Motion drivers. In addition, the frequency range is wider than most headphones at 5-40,000 Hz. Finally, the earpads are fitted with memory foam, which comforts the ears for a long lasting fit.

Tech Specs

Weight: 10.2 ounces

Noise isolating: No

Wireless: No

Warranty: 3-4 Years

The Pros

Memory foam earpads

Built with air vents

Comfortable to wear

The Cons

Headphones are not noise canceling

Microphone doesn’t block out background noises well

8. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 250 ohm HiFi headphones

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium is an open back headphone, which means air can vent freely through it. However, this does mean you will be able to hear background noises even at the higher levels, but because of this the music sounds like its being played from a speaker. Also, due to the higher frequency response (5 Hz – 35,000 Hz) the headphones can produce clearer bass, which is great for listening to trap, house, techno, and when watching TV.

Moreover, the velvety soft earpads provide a great comfortable listening experience. Also, the ear cushions let the ears breathe, which means no more sweaty ear syndrome after wearing these headphones for hours. In addition, the headband is fully adjustable providing a tight fit so that the headphones won’t fall off when moving.

Furthermore, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium is super lightweight only weighing around 11 ounces making them great to travel with as you won’t even feel them there. Also, if the headphones were to break Beyerdynamic provides a two year manufactures warranty, which doesn’t cover damages such as dropping the headphones.

In conclusion, the headphones are excellent for listening to music for hours, because of the comfortable open back design. Moreover, the wide frequency range helps provide a lifelike music experience in HD audio.

Tech Specs

Weight: 10.2 ounces

Noise isolating: No

Wireless: No

Warranty: 2 Years

The Pros

Velvety soft earpads

Made in Germany

Lightweight design

The Cons

Bass sometimes doesn’t sound clear

Drivers could be tuned better

Best Audiophile Headphones Under $500

For those with a big budget and strict requirements should consider buying from the under $500. Here you will find the best audiophile headphones that money can buy and they deliver audio that is clear, accurate, and immersive.

Furthermore, these headphones are very comfortable to wear, which they are suitable to be used for work for long periods of time on a daily basis. Take the time to fully learn about all the features that these headphones offer as it is a long list.

9. Sennheiser HD 700 Headphone

The open circumanural dynamic headphones offer high bass and clear cut treble. The three meter symmetrical silver plated oxygen free copper cable has outstanding endurance and helps deliver HD stereo music straight to the ears. In addition, the frequency response is excellent ranging from as little as 8 Hz to a whopping 44,000 Hz.

Moreover, the Sennheiser HD 700 Headphones have been specially tuned to deliver high pressure sounds and a flat frequency response. This is due to the nominal impedance of 150 ohms. Also, the highly optimized ventilated magnet system minimizes air turbulence and sound distortion, which means you’ll only be hearing the finished product of full HD audio.

Furthermore, the headphones use open back ear cups to facilitate transparent sound while outputting clear transparent sound. The design is sleek and looks professional due to the metallic visuals of the body. The headband is fully adjustable and doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the head, thus making them great for people looking for prolonged use.

To conclude, these headphones are great for listening to beats on a wide frequency spectrum. The bass and treble can be heard clearly thanks to the 150 ohms. Also, the three meter cable is made from premium materials, which means they are long lasting and durable for long term use. Finally, the open design allows your ears to breath, thus not sweating after wearing for long periods.

Tech Specs

Weight: 14.4 ounces

Noise isolating: No

Wireless: No

Warranty: N/A

The Pros

Comfortable to wear for long periods

Durable headband

Wide frequency range

The Cons

Painful to use when listening to certain genres of music

Highs can sound way to sharp

10. Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone

Another great product by Sennheiser is the Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone, because of the many features that come with it. Costing around $100 less than the HD 700 these headphones almost output the same high quality tunes due to the dynamic drivers used. However, this model has more total harmonic distortion, which can be irritating at times to hear.

Moreover, the high quality open metal mesh grills help deliver clear transparent sounds directly to your ears, and because of the design the open back headphones allow your ears to breath making them sweat free after wearing for long durations. Plus, the headband is made from premium quality providing a tight stable fit on your head, which limits the chances of them falling off when moving.

To summarize, these headphones are great for listening to bass based tracks, because of the wider frequency range. Although costing less than the newer HD 700 model the Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphones produce just as good quality without much distortion. Also, because of the open back design the headphones allow your ears to breathe, which means you can wear them for long durations without sweating.

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Joseph Flynt

I love diving into the latest and greatest in emerging technologies and seeing what they can do. I enjoy running when I'm not thinking about tech.